I have a Winchester Model 1885 in 270WSM that I bought just before the New Haven plant closed. I am interested in another one in another caliber, but the current Winchester offerings are limited. Browning's B78 seems to be the same 1885 style and is offered in a wider variety of calibers. Is the B78 a true 1885, and have people had good luck with it? Thanks.

I know the former B-78 was close to the current 1885, but with a few minor differences. I suspect the current B-78 is the same, but just with a few styling mods.

If you want another .270WSM, check Gunbroker.com. There are often some listed for sale in unfired or hardly fired condition.

I just checked the current offerings, and while they don't have the .270 WSM (which I also have and really like), I did see a new Safari model offered in .300 H&H and .375 H&H. Now I might have to start saving up for another one! :-)

are you looking at the new B78's made for the 2010 shot show, or one of the ones made between 73-82? What caliber are you looking for?

So the B78's are from the 1970's, they then discontinued it, introduced the 1885 (is it still in production?), and then reintroduced the B78 again?

I am thinking about a B78, 1885 or Ruger #1 as a varmint rifle in 223 or 22-250. I'd like to know which would be best for that purpose.

You've got it right. The 1885 is still in production (as a Winchester), and the B-78 was reintroduced recently by Browning. The 1885 is generally considered to be more accurate than the Ruger #1, but some Rugers are real tack drivers. Either could work well for varminting.

To my knowledge the B78 was just reintroduced for the 2010 shotshow, I do not believe they are going to continue producing them. If you look on gunbroker and see a "Browning B78 Sporter", that is one of the 2010's, they have a 24" barrel and are around $1,135.00.

It's hard to know from the Browning web site. It's shown under Shot Show Special firearms, but also listed as a "new firearm". Perhaps the staying power will be decided largely by sales. A nice looking gun, but I wish it had the 28" barrel of the 1885's combined with the pistol grip stock and higher grade wood of the B-78.

you and me both red. I currently own 2 brownings and 2 winchesters and would like to add a few more calibers to my collection. As I have said before, these are hands down my favorite rifles. But I want the longer barrels

I've seen the Winchester 1885 in 223 with 28" barrels. I'm thinking about this one too!

223 vs 22-250?
Winchester 1885 vs Browning B78 vs Ruger #1?

Decisions, decisions!

I currently own 2 Winchesters and 1 Browning. I could see picking up another Winchester and a Browning or two. :-) I really like the ballistics and balance delivered by the long barrels, which are still equivalent in overall rifle length to a 24" barreled bolt gun.

I had a beautiful 1980 Ruger #1A in .270 I bought new, with a very pretty stock and one of the nicest triggers I've ever had on a factory rifle, plus some very good accuracy. I just never liked the fact that with the 22" barrel it felt unbalanced and very butt-heavy/barrel-light. It annoyed me to the point that I finally sold it a few years ago. I should have purchased the #1S in 7mm Magnum at the time, which had the Alexander Henry forearm and a 26" barrel. I might still have it today!

How do the new 2010 compare in fit and finish to the older ones? Are the triggers easier to work on and come from factory pretty crisp now?

I can't answer that one. i have not held one, only seen pictures of them on gunbroker.

Anyone have photos of a B78 where you added iron sights (like a banded front sight and notch rear that did not interfere with scope)? I'm thinking about getting one and adding irons for close cover woods hunting pig? Doesn't seem like a tang rear would be very fast to pick up, but could be wrong.